ART therapy is just as beneficial for the human mind as prescribed medication, according to mixed media artist and therapist Deborah Rogers.
Known for her involvement in artistic healing, Ms Rogers said art was an effective process of getting the brain firing and rewiring in a unique and engaging way.
“For traumatised victims, art therapy can be the only way to get the brain growing again and expressing themselves where they have always been told not to,” she said.
“The evidence showing how beneficial creativity is for the human soul is amazing.
“There is so much more in the world which are only just tapping into.”
Ms Rogers said artists do not just wear painted clothes or sing songs but need a variety of skills to function.
“It can be challenging for any artists as you such a wide range of skills,” she said.
“I am not trained in anything else other than the arts and I work with various different cultures, children on the spectrum and traumatised women.
“It is our lifestyle and yet there is so many layers that are not being taken into consideration and it can sometimes be under recognised.”
Among Ms Rogers’ programs are collaborative workshops with McDonald Park Primary School.
Ms Rogers believes art needs to be introduced earlier for school students in the education system.
“People are expecting a higher level or art by children who are sometimes not exposed to art until high school,” she said.
“Even then, the art taught can be stereotype, tick box art where there is not a huge opportunity to freely express creativity.
School teacher and librarian Suzanne Harding said Ms Rogers provides a unique platform of learning for students.
“I believe our students develop a vast range of new skills and techniques as they are being exposed to something completely different,” she said.
“Having an expert in their field here at our school is a valuable resource.
“Students expand their knowledge and become aware of natural talents they did not know about.”
Ms Harding said the school looked forward to further collaborations with Ms Rogers and other artists within the South East.
“We have seen very positive results with our art exhibitions definitely benefiting students mindfully,” she said.
“It is about working towards broadening outlook and extending people’s thinking.”
Ms Rogers said she had been overwhelmed by the amount of parents approaching her when involved in South East schooling communities.
“Particularly in the past 12 months parents have approached me saying I have changed their child’s life,” she said.
“The ‘naughty’ children who are challenged get so much out of art.
“It is about channeling their philosophies and psychologies just because I let them paint the sky red instead of blue.”
